Bad Boys of Romance(29)

“Oh, hey there.” His sister smiled. “I thought I might see you again with my dear brother.”

“Shut up, Mel,” he growled before he pushed open the swinging metal door that led us back into the crowd of people.

Without another word, he walked me back to my table and released his hold.

“I'll find you later.” He looked into my eyes. “I have to go take care of this.”

And with that he walked away leaving me more confused than ever. I had a million thoughts running through my head. Hannah grabbed my arm and pulled me back into my seat before I could process any of them.

“What in the hell was that?” she demanded.

“I have no idea,” I answered honestly.

“Is he the guy you were smiling about earlier today?”

“No, yeah, I don't know.” I felt defeated and excited at the same time. “It's impossible to read him.”

“Trey said he never has a girlfriend. Apparently many have tried and no one has succeeded to tie him down.” She raised her eyebrows.

“Perfect.” I rolled my eyes. “What else does the all-knowing Trey say?”

“Well, since you asked.” She smiled. “He said that he's never seen him act like this before or react that way to a girl who was dancing in his club.”

“I need another drink.” I sighed. “A strong one.”

“You're in luck.” She moved two small glasses in front of us. “I was saving a shot just for you.”

We lifted the small glasses, clinked them together, and quickly swallowed the sweet liquid that passed our lips.

“Another.” I slammed my glass back on the table.

“Get the lady another shot!” she laughed as she yelled.

Over the next two hours, I only caught a few glimpses of Luke. He was in full-on work mode and looked as if he didn't want to be bothered. So, I kept drinking with my best friend. I dared to go back on the dance floor by the end of the night. Partly because the alcohol running through my system really made me want to dance, but mostly because I wanted him to come back and drag me back to the office again. This time I knew I wouldn't hold back if given the chance to kiss him again. I also noticed that no guy even attempted to dance with me. I was okay with that, but also hated it at the same time. I was starting to think I looked stupid out here.

Once the lights came on, signaling last call, we stopped dancing and made our way back to our table. My heels were killing my feet and not enhancing my ability to walk at all. We giggled at our drunken state when Hannah all but fell into Trey's lap.

“Okay, girls.” Trey helped her stand upright. “Let's get you home before someone pukes.”

“No one is going to puke.” She wrapped her arms around his waist. “I don't think.”

I laughed as we made our way to the exit only to get cut off by a broad chest and tattooed arms that I knew I'd dream about tonight.

“I'll make sure she gets home tonight,” Luke stated, almost daring someone to challenge him.

I narrowed my eyes and tried to focus on him. Was he serious?

“Did you ask her if that's what she wants?” Hannah took a protective step toward me.

“It's fine, Han.” I cocked my head to the side and smirked at him. “He won't bite.”

I watched his eyes darken as he watched me.

“You're sure?” Trey asked.

“Yeah, I'm sure,” I answered. “See you guys at home.”

Once the room had cleared out, he closed in the space between us and leaned into my ear.

“What makes you think I won't bite?”

My heart was racing as I ran my fingertips down his arm. “I was kind of hoping that you would.”

“You're going to be the death of me.” He shook his head as he stepped back. “I have to finish a few things in the office. Do you want to go back there with me or stay at the bar with Mel?”

“Bar.” I smiled.

He narrowed his eyes back at me but didn't reply. Instead he placed his hand on the small of my back and led me back to where Mel was cleaning up from the night's crowd.

“I'll be back in about ten minutes.”

I sat on the bar stool and watched Mel place lids back on bottles and wash the dirty glasses.

“Do you need help?” I asked.

“No thanks, pretty girl.” She smiled up at me. “You need to sit there and sober up. Here's some water.”

She placed a glass in front of me, and I took a long drink.

“Thanks.”

“So, how did you find yourself back in this bar?” she asked.

“What do you mean?”

“After the other night, I figured you'd never step foot back in here. You know, after you saw us fighting.”

“Oh yeah,” I replied. “What was that all about?”